Cart

Let us learn about the Flag Day

When is Flag Day? How does it come from? Let’s find out.

1,History

1775, the year that the American Revolution broke out, the colonists weren’t fighting united under one flag only. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “USA” flag, the Continental Colors.

However, this flag which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to the flag of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation is so much important.

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

2, Flag Day

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day, the day that you celebrate the anniversary of the Stars, Stripes, and glories!

To the USA flag, there were a lot of stories and glorious moments, some rules we have to know, some laws we must obey, which are not shall be forgotten:

• It is widely believed that Betsy Ross, who
assisted the Revolutionary War effort by repairing uniforms and sewing tents,
made and helped design the first American flag.
However, there is no historical evidence that she contributed to Old Glory’s
creation. It was not until her grandson William Canby held an 1870 press
conference to recount the story that the American public learned of her
possible role.

• Bernard Cigrand, a small-town Wisconsin teacher,
originated the idea for an annual flag day, to be celebrated across the country
every June 14, in 1885. That year, he led his school in the first formal observance
of the holiday. Bernard, who later changed careers and practiced dentistry in
Illinois, continued to promote his concept and advocate respect for the flag
throughout his life.

• In the 1950s, when it seemed certain that Alaska
would be admitted to the Union, designers began retooling the American flag to
add a 49th star to the existing 48. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old Ohioan named Bob
Heft student borrowed his mother’s sewing machine, disassembled his family’s
48-star flag and stitched on 50 stars in a proportional pattern. He handed in
his creation to his history teacher for a class project, explaining that he
expected Hawaii would soon achieve statehood as well. Heft also sent the flag
to his congressman, Walter Moeller, who presented it to President Eisenhower
after both new states joined the Union. Eisenhower selected Heft’s design, and
on July 4, 1960, the president and the high school student stood together as
the 50-star flag was raised for the first time. Heft’s teacher promptly changed
his grade from a B- to an A.

• During the Vietnam War era, some demonstrators
burned American flags as an act of protest. The Flag Protection Act of 1968 was
enacted in response, making it illegal to burn or otherwise deface the Stars
and Stripes. In two landmark decisions 20 years later, the Supreme Court ruled
that the government couldn’t curb individuals’ First Amendment rights by
prohibiting desecration of the U.S. flag. Respectful burning of damaged flags
according to established protocol has always been acceptable.

• Unlike setting an intact flag on fire, flying one
upside-down is not always intended as an act of protest. According to the Flag
Code, it can also be an official distress signal.

• Despite the preponderance of “patriotic”
gear ranging from tee shirts to swimsuits to boxer shorts, the Flag Code
stipulates that the Stars and Stripes should not appear on apparel, bedding or
decorative items.

• The practice of draping coffins in the American flag
is not reserved for military veterans and government officials. On the
contrary, any burial may incorporate this tradition.

• Etiquette calls for American flags to be illuminated
by sunlight or another light source while on display.

• When flags are taken down from their poles, care
must be taken to keep them from touching the ground. In fact, the American flag
should always be kept aloft, meaning that rugs and carpets featuring the Stars
and Stripes are barred by the Flag Code.

• When the flags of cities, states, localities or
groups are flown on the same staff as the American flag, Old Glory should
always be at the peak. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they
should be of equivalent size and flown from separate staffs of the same height.

• The Flag Code strictly prohibits adding an insignia,
drawing or other markings to the Stars and Stripes. Some American politicians
have been known to defy this regulation by signing copies of the U.S. flag for
their supporters.